he government has asked public sector banks (PSBs) to review the level of activity in rural accounts which were opened under financial inclusion drive. The finance ministry has asked the state-owned banks to ensure one account per family in the country to facilitate direct transfer of subsidy under 32 central schemes.

AIR correspondent reports that with an aim at financial inclusion, 'Swabhimaan' campaign was launched in 2010-11 to extend banking facilities in unbanked villages with a population of over 2,000 and over 74,000 such villages were covered.

The latest data says, under the campaign, over 3.25 crore bank accounts in rural areas were opened. Banks have also been asked to establish an 'Ultra Small Branch' in each such village with a bank official visiting them at least once a week.

As per 2011 census, about 58.7 per cent households had reported availing of banking facilities. Out of the 24.69 crore households, 14.48 crore reported availing banking services. Nearly 10 crore households were not availing the services.

 The government has asked state- owned banks to ensure one account per family to facilitate direct transfer of subsidy under 32 central schemes. In a communication to the public sector banks, the

Finance Ministry has asked them to use the latest voter list as a reference for verifying that every household has a bank account. 

As per 2011 census, out of the 24.69 crore households, 14.48 crore reported availing banking services. Nearly 10 crore households were not availing the services. Under Swabhimaan scheme of the government, over 3.25 crore bank accounts in rural areas were opened.